International Letters of Natural Sciences Vol. 20

Abstract: There are various biomass energy technologies with imbalanced application status spread all over Sub-Sahara Africa. Currently, some biomass technologies have been developed maturely in the market such as biogas, that can be economically competitive, commercially developed, and applied in large scale, while other technologies are in the early stage of commercial applications, that need subsidies and other financial incentives to encourage them in the market. These include biomass power, biomass pallet fuel, biofuels from non-grain feedstock, etc. There are also many emerging biomass technologies which are at R&D and demonstration stage and are expected to develop into industrial and commercial applications, such as biological ethanol fuel from cellulose and biodiesel from oil plants. Due to the differences in terms of technology maturity, development stage, market competitiveness, and future perspectives of the various biomass technologies, the obstacles can be different, the needed incentives also vary. It is an important task for Sub-Sahara African Countries to study and design a biomass energy development program to ensure implementation of the region’s biomass energy development objectives. The biomass energy development program in Sub-Sahara Africa should include assessment of various biomass technology status and objectives, development of approaches in biomass technology research and development, pilot projects, demonstration, and application promotions, and identify supporting incentives in techniques and regulations.

Abstract: The need to improve project delivery process is one of the leading advocacies of relevant construction industry reports. Improved process is sine qua non for improve performance. Critical to the improvement process, is the need to assess construction process’ capability to meet design and production requirements. The present study examined process mapping of a cable-stayed bridge in the Nigeria’s east-west coastal highway project. Qualitative data was collected through a three phase process mapping protocol using mainly self-generate, one-on-one interview and focus group. Twenty non-related sub-processes were identified from four pre-construction stages: investigation; feasibility; design; and tender. Integrative definition (IDEFO) and Unified Language Modelling (UML) are used to map the feasibility, design and the design sub-processes. The mapping indicates the design sequence is iterative and factually flexible until such a point where functional design satisfies appropriate forcing test. The study provides medium for communicating complex construction functions thereby facilitating common understanding in the way projects are delivered with appropriate information about inputs, output and resources.

Abstract: Environmental sustainability is currently a topical issue globally. Reason for this might not be unconnected with the need to ensure balancing of environmental protection as well as social responsibility as requisite for healthy environment and economy. Thus, an understanding of the indispensability of environment generally has led to the clarion call for better steward of environment by human beings, bearing in mind the deteriorating state of the environment and its consequences. This study employed a triangulation of instrument in developing responsible attitude towards environment. 72 participants involving artisans, technocrats, farmers, marketers, industrialists, public servants and institutions were drawn across urban and peri-urban areas within four local governments in Oyo, Oyo state, Nigeria. In-depth interviews were conducted among the participants on the extent, effects of human impacts as well as desirability of responsible attitudes to the environment. Data were analyzed through coded description, verbatim reporting, content analysis and categorization of ideas expressed by participants in the IDIs. It was revealed that human beings have impacted on the environment in a number of ways culminating in untold effects on the environment and its components. The need for responsible attitude to environment was therefore suggested as measure towards sustainable environment and development.

Abstract: This research assesses the concentration of Zn, Ag, Hg, Pb and Cu in surface water Kutcheri’s River Yankuzau and other streams coordinates range between longitude 11°48′ N to 11°53′N and latitude 7°00′ to 7°05′E using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometre (AAS). Artisanal mining has become prominent in these areas. It’s become imperative to analyze these metal concentrations because they are associated with gold mineralization. Apart from polluting the water by artisanal miners, heavy metals are released into the surface water which most villager drink without pre-treatment.

Abstract: Meteorological drought disaster is a serious problem in the Sahelian region of the world. This strongly affects the hydrology of the region and creates severe constraint to agriculture and water management. This paper therefore, examines the rainfall characteristics and the extent of meteorological drought in Sokoto state, Nigeria. Daily rainfall data were obtained for a period of four decades (1970-2009) from Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) through Sultan Abubakar III International Airport, Sokoto Synoptic Station. Data collected were analysed using statistical techniques. The result of the descriptive statistics varies from year to year and slight increase of mean monthly rainfall was observed. Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and Rainfall Anomaly Index (RAI) were used in classifying drought severity into severe, moderate and mild conditions. The result is already anticipated since Sokoto State lies within the Sudano-Sahelian region that generally known to be draught prone. Recommendations were offered based on the outcome of the result.

Abstract: This paper examines the shoreline management planning policy in England and its suitability for ameliorating the diverse environmental problems associated with Nigeria‟s coastal zones. It examines the success of SMPs in England since the mid-1990s and progress achieved, with the aim of understudying the current management approach that can be transferred to Nigeria to strengthen its adoption, and as a necessary corollary, implementation of the SMPs. This paper also examines key elements of the shoreline management frameworks in England and provides answers to the question: Would shoreline management planning approach in England be appropriate and feasible in Nigeria It further concludes that many of the action plans and principles of participation should be adoptable provided that a participatory approach that involves all stakeholders including community members and relevant sectoral ministries as well as appropriate legal framework is encouraged.

Abstract: Change in the environment is inevitable and rapid. The cause of the change could be a natural phenomena or life processes. Human activity such as development of agriculture and technology which give rise to widespread industrialization has led to potentially changing environment as a result of pollution culminating in the release of harmful substances such as Agricultural waste, industrial waste, metal scraps, sewage, microbial concentration, oil spills etc. into the soil, water or air. Human environmental intervention as in the construction of dams and diversion of rivers is another cause of change in the environment. Other causes are ozone depletion, Acid rain and acid mine drainage etc. The impact of the changing environment on human health identified in this paper seek to explore the causes of environmental change, effect of human activities on causes of environmental change and effect of changing environment on human health. The findings identified some effects of human activities as outbreaks of infectious diseases leading to human incapacitation and death in severe cases, damage genetic material leading to heritable genetic disorders, malnourishment as a result of wiping out of plants and animal life. Others are skin cancer, reduction of life expectancy etc. some recommendation were made which are Environmental conservation measures, Governments and Non-governmental organizations educating the citizenry.

Abstract: This study investigated those factors which influenced the adoption of Moringa olefera as water purifier by the farmers in Kaduna state. Data were collected with the aid of structured questionnaire from 30 respondents. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logit regression model. The results showed that the respondents had one form of education or the other. About 90 percent were married average household size of 10 persons per household. About 73 percent adopted Moringa oleifera water purification. Socio-economic factors influencing adoption of Moringa oleifera water purification were age, education, extension contact and membership of cooperative. The study therefore recommends that farmers should form themselves into association because such association will aid in collective soliciting for government assistance, NGOs and other funding agencies. Also, more awareness should be created by the extension agents on the importance of Moringa oleifera seed powder in rural development.

Abstract: The Study focused on household environmental sanitation practices in Katsina Metropolis. Survey research design was adopted for the study. Structured questionnaire was used for data collection from 250 households which were randomly selected from five wards in the study area. Multistage sampling technique was used to select respondents for the study. Four research questions were answered. Data collected for the study were analyzed, using frequency counts and mean to answer the research questions. The findings of the study revealed that households in Katsina metropolis dispose their solid wastes in vacant or unused plots, back of homes, along the road and drains among others. Some strategies such as implementation of national environmental sanitation policy. Provision and use of waste disposal facilities, inculcation of right attitudes in householders/homemakers on waste disposal through the introduction of environmental education in primary and post primary schools curriculum, were identified to improve environmental sanitation practices. Based on the findings, some recommendations were made to improve on the practices.

Abstract: As a result of an increasing cases of community protest and opposition to construction projects in the Niger Delta during the construction stages, the present study investigated factors influencing construction stakeholders‟ engagement outcome. The aim was to determine the severity of factors influencing construction stakeholders‟ engagement in the research environment. Due to the pluralist usage of the term stakeholder, the study examined community stakeholders. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected using semi-structured interview and questionnaire survey administered on 186 respondents selected from two stakeholders groups using snowballing. 32 factors generated individually and collectively from literature, interview and practice were ranked and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Gap between regulatory requirements and public expectations, location of projects, effect of cumulative development effects, poverty, and lack of information disclosure are some of the high ranking factors influencing engagement performance. Further analysis involving Levene‟s Homogeneity test indicates no significant difference in the population ranking opinion of these factors. This heterogeneous distribution demonstrates strong similarity across the population studied. These factors must therefore be smoothened in future construction engagement process to enhance successful project delivery. The study unveils inherent lacunas in construction project management which strongly correlates project performance.